7 Module Seven: Accelerating Your Career
Module Seven: Accelerating Your Career
Module Learning Objectives
- Discuss the possible paths and organizations available to advance your career plans. (CLO 1, 2, 3)
- Reflect on the roles of construction project management, project management, and facility management in your career path. (CLO 1, 2, 3)
- Identify applications of sustainability, technology, and innovation to the construction industry. (CLO 1, 2, 3)
Module Essential Questions
- How can understanding different career paths and organizational structures contribute to achieving your career goals? (CLO 1, 2, 3)
- What are the distinct roles of construction project management, project management, and facility management, and how do they intersect within your chosen career path? (CLO 1, 2, 3)
- How do sustainability, technology, and innovation manifest in the construction industry, and what implications do they have for future practices and career opportunities? (CLO 1, 2, 3)
Lesson 1: Sustainability in Construction
Sustainability has grown over the past 40 years to have a major impact on how we construct buildings. The following video is an overview of what it is at a high level.
What is Sustainability?
Sustainability is defined as development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Initially perceived by some as a fleeting trend or idealistic pursuit, sustainability has gained momentum and recognition as a critical consideration in development practices. Rooted in the philosophy of maintaining a balance that ensures a healthy planet for future generations, sustainability now underpins the triple bottom line approach: socially responsible, environmentally robust, and economically viable operations.
The Triple Bottom Line
Sustainability’s essence lies in achieving a harmonious balance across three key dimensions:
- Social: Fair labor practices, community engagement, and ensuring occupant well-being.
- Environmental: Efficient use of energy and resources, waste reduction, and minimizing carbon footprints.
- Economic: Enhancing operational efficiency and asset value for long-term savings and profitability.
Building Impact on Sustainability
Buildings significantly contribute to global resource consumption and environmental impact, responsible for:
- 40% of global energy use
- 33% of global greenhouse gas emissions
- 68-70% of total electricity consumption
- 38% of total carbon dioxide emissions
Major Categories of Sustainability in Facilities
Facility management’s role in sustainability encompasses eight critical areas:
- Energy: Optimizing energy performance and efficiency.
- Water: Effective water use, including recycling and reuse.
- Materials and Resources: Sustainable use of finite resources and managing recyclables.
- Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ): Enhancing occupant comfort and managing hazardous materials.
- Quality of Services: Including mail, meeting services,